Thursday, 7 November 2013

The perils of letterboxes...

Let
me start by saying I've always had the greatest of respect for my Postman.

He's
a brilliant chap, very efficient and a lovely person too.

If
I'm out, he'll leave a parcel with a neighbour - none of this 'taken back to
depot' on a card nonsense.

In
fact, both Postmen who cover the area in which I live are great.I often saw the other gentleman when I was
out walking the dog (who's since sadly passed away - my dog, not the Postman,
just to clarify) and we'd exchange pleasantries and discuss the weather, as you
do.

But
my respect for them, and indeed all others who deliver leaflets etc, has
recently multiplied.

I
undertook a task of delivering some leaflets - not a big deal, I know - but I
didn't realize how much of a hazardous task this can actually be!

Luckily,
I did this in broad daylight, because the complexity of some people's gates and
driveways really is a wonder to behold.

Then
there's those draft excluders which everyone except me appears to have attached
to their letterboxes.

I
appreciate that they reduce energy costs, keep the house warm etc, but
seriously, you can't get letters or leaflets through them!They're like furry finger-traps designed to
grab your digits but not let the information pass through.

Then
at two doors, I poked my leaflets through to be met by snapping teeth and
snarling.Now, I'm guessing that these
belonged to a canine rather than the householder, but it was a little
disconcerting!

I
know we perhaps all take our Postmen and women a bit for granted, and indeed
those delivering takeaway menus, charity leaflets and other pamphlets, but please
give them a thought next time you're barricading your letterbox against the
cold.

Also,
can I suggest if you've got a dog who's not fond of visitors to the door, a
lettercage is perhaps advisable to preserve your post and the fingers of the
delivery person?Just a thought...